Punjab to conduct gap analysis of its food lab

CHANDIGARH: For increasing efforts to control the menace of food adulteration and make it more effective, Punjab government has decided to improve the functioning of the state food laboratory, Kharar.

For this purpose, it has been decided to get a gap analysis conducted for which the process for hiring a consultant has been initiated. At present, the laboratory is facing shortage of infrastructure and manpower. A micro-level survey for every test/calibration parameter of the laboratory will also be conducted besides a detailed study of all activities of the laboratory. For helping employees perform better, specialised training will also be imparted.

Commissioner, food and drug administration, Punjab, K S Pannu shared that a detailed gap analysis of infrastructure, manpower and processes would be conducted to ascertain the shortcomings. Accordingly, corrective steps will be taken. “Once the corrective steps will be taken, the department will get the lab accredited from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL),” said Pannu.

In the last one year, the Punjab government has tightened the noose around traders by carrying out a sustained drive against spurious food products. About 30% food samples collected between July 2018 to January 31, during raids in different parts of Punjab were found unfit for human consumption. A total of 7,615 samples of different food items, including milk, milk products and bakery products, of which 2,099 samples were found of sub-standard quality while 86 were found unsafe for human consumption.

As many as 1,625 cases have been filed in the court of additional deputy commissioners and 51 in the courts of chief judicial magistrate. During the seven months in only one case the accused was sentenced with six-month imprisonment.

Food and drug administration raised Rs 1.69 crore by imposing fine in 954 cases as per the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act.

To facilitate quicker analysis of samples, followed by quick action on the defaulters, the government recently roped in another laboratory Punjab Biotechnology Incubator (PBTI) in Mohali had been notified as referral laboratory by the government under Food Safety and Standards Act. Besides, two scientists of the PBTI had also been appointed as food analysts under the Food Safety and Standards Act by the government of India, whereby their services can be utilised by the state government.